UML Demands Resignation of Committee Chair Over Civil Service Bill Controversy

The ruling party CPN-UML has demanded the resignation of the chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada.

During today’s meeting of the House of Representatives committee, UML lawmaker and former Law Minister Padam Giri accused Chairperson Khatiwada of being involved in serious misconduct regarding the Civil Service Bill. Giri said Khatiwada must take responsibility for the controversy around the “cooling-off period” provision and resign.

The issue under debate involves alleged manipulation in the final report of the bill. The committee had initially agreed, unanimously, to keep a two-year cooling-off period for civil servants before they can enter politics. However, the report submitted to Parliament showed a different version, reportedly signed off by Chairperson Khatiwada and Committee Secretary Suraj Kumar Dura.

Giri said this act of changing a unanimously agreed decision without consent is a disgrace and highly unethical. “It’s shameful and unacceptable. Such actions bring dishonor to the democratic process,” he said. He demanded both the Chairperson and the Secretary resign on moral grounds, stating, “Someone who manipulates parliamentary procedures like this cannot remain in such a responsible position.”